Didn't want to hijack the other guy's thread just down the page, but I have an odd starting issue with my new-to-me 2000 Civic LX. It's a 5 speed, everything appears to be original other than a fart can exhaust and a Sony receiver from the PO.


- I towed the vehicle home initially, parked it in a garage for 2 days. Go to start it, starts perfectly fine. Run some errands, starts immediately every single time. I parked it over night, went to start it in the morning to go to work; starts perfectly fine.
- Car sat at work for the 8 hrs during my shift, put key in the ignition, got the check engine light to light up (been on since I got it), turn the key and nothing. No clicks, no other lights, just...nothing. I push the car to a slight hill, get it rolling, pop the clutch and it starts up. Drove home with no issues.
- Car sits overnight in the garage, go out in the morning and it starts right up, no issues.
- Drive it to work that afternoon, sits for the 8 hrs during my shift. Go out to start it, exact same issue as the previous night. Got it running by push starting it, then it drives home perfectly fine.


Not sure what to make of this issue? Battery appears to be newer, no build up around the terminals, everything is nice and tight around the battery. No odd noises from the starter, car seems perfectly fine unless I drive it to work...

Any guidance and/or help is appreciated!

 

stop going to work. in all seriousness, i think you've got a failing ignition switch. check to see if the starter has voltage to the large cable from the battery and has the proper grounds. if it has no voltage at the signal wire then check output from the ignition switch. if there is no signal your switch is bad. if it has voltage from the switch and not to the starter then check your wiring. given as it happens after it sits in the heat all day, i think you can probably rule out a faulty starter, but still check it.

 

Awesome, thank you for the help!

Perhaps I'll just start with your first suggestion...

 

yeah sounds like an ignition switch issue
- main relay and ecu is fine if your push start and it goes
- clutch switch and start cut relay sounds fine when inside a garaged and cooled off but I would still check them.
-ignition switch known issue, same with integras.

You can try to take the white cover off, clean up the contacts and put some di-electric grease in there to prolong it until you get a new one.

Check the brown plug for any corroded connectors, if not clean it anyways and add di-electic grease

 

I think there was a recall on the ignition switch for the starting position. Apparently the starter current runs through the ignition switch, instead of activating a relay...and it burns out. If you're really cheap, you could probably take it apart and clean it I would imagine.

 

you can buy some time with a mop up job
or just get a new one for 45 clams or so.
i cleaned mine and noticed a diff so replaced.

DIY Ignition switch cleaning - Team Integra Forums - Team Integra

 

Thank you everyone for the help! I checked the battery just in case; tested fine, looks to be about 1-2 years old.

So, if I wanted to just replace the ignition components causing my issues, would I be able to get away with just purchasing this part:

Ignition Starter Switch

Or would I better off spending the extra $50-60 and get the whole ignition lock and cylinder?

Ignition Lock and Cylinder Switch

 

1st oart

 

no need to change out the key cylinder, just the electrical part

 

Awesome, I owe y'all a cold one next time you're up in WI

 

Sounds nasty, no thanks.

 

 

Btw, if you haven't ruled out your clutch switch, that could be the problem too, though less likely. It activates a relay that let's current flow to the starter. You can just short it. Could also be the relay it connects to. Should hear it click when turning the key to the start position.

You should also try jiggling your key when it won't start. If it does, it'll let you know for sure if it's the switch or not.

 

You can diagnose a faulty ignition switch like this: